We love to ski, we love the camaraderie of gathering with ski friends “après ski”… when the lifts stop, and the drinks and food flow along with humorous conversations about the day on the slopes. The Europeans coined the expression “Après ski” – French for literally after skiing, and they do it best (in Austria’s Alps and France especially). Canadians share the joie de vivre in post ski parties. In Quebec, in BC and Alberta, ski resort bars serve Canadian beer – Molson & Labatt’s in Quebec, Kokanee Out West, eh!! Ski friends, a beverage and a basket of Poutine – French Canadian French fries smothered in cheese curd and gravy – its ridiculously good!
Here are Top Ski Slope Bars and Best Après Ski spots in Canada worth a visit, eh!
British Columbia Canada Best Ski Bars
Big White – Snowshoe Sam’s is a rustic alpine pub with happy people, often a DJ and live bands. Upstairs Gunbarrel Grill is a western steakhouse for dinner.
Kicking Horse – Double Black Diamond base of the gondola brings together locals and vacationers, especially fun outside in the sun in spring. More sophisticated, a cocktail and sunset at 7,000’ at Eagle’s Eye top of gondola on evenings its open for dinner.
Kimberley – Stemwinder’s is the hub of this humble ski village, the central bar has a slope view, good pub food, live music and night skiing weekend too.
Fernie– Ice Bar at Lizard Creek Lodge – slip on Helly Hansen jackets and sip a flight of vodka shots in an igloo bar – very cool! The Griz in the ski village is local, casual, relaxed.
Panorama – T Bar Grill is the place après ski, or Jackpine Pub down the road, on the legendary skiers’ Powder Highway.
Revelstoke – MacTav and The Rock at the mountain are prime by the gondi. Village Idiot and The Last Drop in town Revie are both earthy as their names imply.
Whistler Blackcomb – Garibaldi Lift Co at the base of Whistler’s gondola is the epicenter of après, locals call it GLC… Whistler is loaded with fun bars though, a drinking village with a ski habit.
Whistler Creekside – Dusty’s Bar is the lively spot at Whistler’s quiet side.
Alberta’s Canadian Rockies Best Après Ski
Lake Louise – Powder Keg upstairs the Lodge of The Ten Peaks is happenin’
Chateau Lake Louise – Lakeview Lobby Bar is old-world elegance with glacial views!
Norquay – The Lone Pine Pub upstairs in Cascade Lodge, offers ski memorabilia, friendly locals, a fun menu, beers on tap and a bar, just 7 turns back down to Banff village.
Sunshine Village Banff – Mad Trapper’s Smokehouse is 1928 rustic and real, fun not fancy!
Sunshine Mountain Lodge – Chimney Corner is a spectacular lounge with fireplace couches, tables and a bar with slope views of Goat’s Eye.
Banff Alberta – Rose & Crown is Banff’s oldest pub on Banff Ave.
Banff Springs Hotel – Rundle Lounge is swank for après at this 1888 marvelous Hotel.
Rimrock Resort Hotel – Larkspur Lobby Bar is elegant with a fire & Rocky views.
Castle Mountain Resort – T-Bar Pub is the one & only, which makes it well-attended and authentic.
Quebec’s Laurentians Best Ski Bars
Tremblant Quebec – Café d’Epoque and Le Shack are après party scenes.
Fairmont Tremblant – Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar is outdoor chic with ski views.
Mont Sainte Anne – Le Brez is cozy, on the slopes, you can après ski and night ski.
Chateau Frontenac in Quebec – The 1608 Bar is chic ($$$) overlooking the St Lawrence River from this elegant historical hotel in the heart of the old city.
Le Massif – Le Grand Duc Pub at the ski area’s Summit Lodge has superlative views and often a DJ, fun to end the ski day on top of the hill too!
More:
Top Apres Ski Bars in the World
Best Après Ski in New England
Best Après Ski Places in Western US
Best Après Ski At Vail
Best Après Ski at Breckenridge
Top 10 Apres Ski Tips from the Pros!
“I only ski so I can après ski…”